The Supreme Court of India on Monday, October 6, adjourned the hearing on Vodafone Idea’s plea challenging the Department of Telecommunications’ (DoT) additional adjusted gross revenue (AGR) demand of ₹9,450 crore. The case will now be taken up on October 13.
This marks the third deferment in the case after two earlier adjournments in September. On September 19, the Centre informed the apex court that it did not oppose Vodafone Idea’s plea but stressed the need for a practical resolution, noting that the government holds a nearly 50% equity stake in the company. The court then postponed the hearing to September 26, seeking finality in the proceedings.
During the September 26 session, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the DoT, sought additional time to file responses, which the company did not oppose. Consequently, the hearing was moved to October 6.
Vodafone Idea has contended that the additional AGR demand falls outside the scope of the Supreme Court’s earlier ruling on AGR liabilities. The company argues that the DoT’s computation includes components already settled under previous orders and introduces new liabilities amounting to a reassessment — an action previously barred by the court.
The DoT, however, has defended its stance, stating that the fresh demand arises from accounting adjustments rather than a reassessment. Of the total amount, approximately ₹2,774 crore pertains to dues from FY18–19 for the merged Vodafone Idea entity, while ₹5,675 crore relates to pre-merger obligations of Vodafone Group.
The matter will now be heard again on October 13, with stakeholders closely watching for the Supreme Court’s next move in the long-running AGR dues dispute.
